Long Beach Port To Replace Diesel Trucks With Alternative-Fueled Models

Feb. 21, 2008
At a special meeting at Port of Long Beach (POLB) headquarters, harbor commissioners voted to approve a plan calling for replacement of at least half of current port drayage diesel trucks

At a special meeting at Port of Long Beach (POLB) headquarters, harbor commissioners voted to approve a plan calling for replacement of at least half of current port drayage diesel trucks with trucks powered by clean alternative fuels - specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other alternative fuels that perform better than 2007 emission standards.

Reacting to the move, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has renewed its stated commitment to supply clean-burning LNG fuel for thousands of LNG-powered trucks slated to replace aging diesel models as part of the San Pedro Bay Ports’ Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP).

The CAAP Clean Truck Program targets the replacement of 16,800 old diesel trucks. The POLB plan calls for the replacement of its trucks with no less than 50 percent new alternative-fueled trucks, as well as new or converted diesel trucks that meet the minimum 2007 emission specifications for reduced harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.

LNG trucks provide better emissions performance than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2007 truck standards, and can achieve the agency’s 2010 emission standards while providing a 20 percent greenhouse gas reduction over diesel. The Clean Truck Program aims to cut truck-related air pollution by 80 percent within four years.